Be Ever So Humbled

I am a prideful person. I have never denied it and I have learned, through trial and error, to ask for help. To write about it is even harder! But I had a one-woman intervention and this is part of my "therapy." As some of you know, at least the ones that follow my blogs, this past Summer was an eye-opener. My health was out of control and the pain my body was, sometimes still is in, was something I couldn't control...or so I thought. To be a Fitness Professional, to be a Woman that is used to being able to move and lift at will, my body IS my business. How does this happen? And how do I stop this? I am not going to go into the lurid details of all of my symptoms. This isn't a blog for me to gripe. This is all about me trying to help someone, anyone who might be in pain right now. Steps to help all of us lessen our pain. Here is my disclaimer: This is not a cure for getting rid of the swelling. What I do for myself, might NOT help you. Any autoimmune disorder needs to be diagnosed by a Medical Doctor. I am NOT a medical Doctor if you haven't figured that out yet:). Now with that out of the way; can we all agree that most dis-ease is related to our over-wrought mental state? One word: Stress! We don't need to discuss it right? We all have some form of stress and in a Utopia, we wouldn't, but we do. So we have to learn how to deal with it in a way that is beneficial to us mentally and physically. What I am asking you to do is lessen your stress. Pick your battles! You can NOT fix everything. Stress leads to so many health issues. Too many to list! Do what you love and be around those that you love. Most of have a hard time with this. We feel obligated to deal with people and situations we don't care for or like. Why? I am not asking you to have confrontations with others.Though all confrontation is not screaming and yelling. I am asking you to clean your "house" people! Ask yourself: "Am I happy here?", "What am I getting out of this relationship?", "Could I find a different job, that might not pay as much, but would bring me happiness?" Remember, this is your health. Nothing else matters. Along with the mental cleanup comes the diet change and exercise "No Matter What" regiment. I say no matter what because when you are in pain and your muscles are so swollen, all you want is a pill to take it all away, but it doesn't! All the research that I have read in connection with joint swelling, etc. states, exercise is the one thing that takes some of the pain away; Movement! Through anger, frustration, and tears, you must take a deep breath(take two!) and get moving. Sugar is your enemy. I don't say this lightly. White, processed sugar, is NOT your friend. Be hyper aware of what you are putting in your mouth. Processed foods, sugar, soda, does this all sound familiar? Do your research and change your diet. Be an advocate for yourself! I will wrap this up by saying: Please know your worth. It comes down to this everytime, doesn't it?  I have changed everything. I don't spend time with people or situations that don't have my best interest(s) at heart. All things green that are smoothie worthy ARE made into smoothies! I have new friends and their names are Tumeric, Ginger root and Black pepper. All anti-inflammatories. Know who you are and be your best friend. You are worth it. Wishing you love and peace. But mostly Peace.